Johnson City National Honor Society Hosts 3×3 Tournament and Food Drive in Honor of Matthew Cunningham

In the spirit of service and community leadership, the high school chapter of the National Honor Society at Johnson City Central School District made a meaningful impact just before the holiday break by hosting the Matthew Cunningham 3×3 Basketball Tournament.

Student-Led Initiative Supports Local Families

Organized entirely by NHS student members, the tournament was designed to give back to the Wildcat community while honoring the memory of Matthew Cunningham. In a powerful show of generosity and inclusivity, admission for teams and spectators was completely free. Instead of purchasing tickets, attendees were encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to support local families in need.

Through this combined effort, the National Honor Society also hosted a community-wide food drive benefiting the Wildcat Food Center. Thanks to the overwhelming support from students, families, and community members, more than 800 pounds of food were collected for distribution throughout the Johnson City community.

Community Partnerships Strengthen Impact

The success of the initiative was made possible through strong partnerships with local businesses and organizations that served as donation collection sites. These included Factory Beer Tree, Food & Fire, Your Home Public Library, Pizza On the Plaza, Rossi’s Pizza, Sole City Coffee, Village of Johnson City Offices, Visions Federal Credit Union, the Johnson City Senior Center, Amphenol, North Bridge, Maines Food & Pantry, the Islamic Organization of the Southern Tier, Calvary’s Love Church, Tioga State Bank, The Topper, Innovation, The Computer Man, Fat Cat Comics, and the NYSEG Binghamton Office.

Their willingness to support the cause reflects the deep sense of community pride and collaboration that defines Johnson City.

Honoring a Legacy Through Service

By combining athletics, service, and community engagement, Johnson City’s National Honor Society members created an event that not only honored Matthew Cunningham’s memory but also demonstrated the powerful role students can play in addressing local needs.

Their leadership and compassion helped bring the community together during the holiday season, ensuring that families facing food insecurity received meaningful support. Initiatives like this highlight how student-driven service projects can create lasting impact while inspiring a culture of giving that extends far beyond the school walls.